Can anyone stop Phil Taylor at the world championships?
Published:There is not a sportsman in the world who dominates their chosen field like Phil Taylor.
He’s won 15 world titles and is 4/7 to win his 16th at Alexandra Palace this year. However, there are signs he can be beaten at the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
Second favourite for the title is world No.2 James Wade at 8/1. The Englishman has enjoyed a brilliant year that included winning the World Grand Prix darts in October.
He’s made it to the semi-final and quarter-final of the world darts championship in the past two years and looks to be well worth backing to go all the way this time.
Next in the betting is Raymond van Barneveld at 12/1. The Dutchman has previous in the competition, winning the 2007 title by defeating Taylor 7-6 in a thrilling final.
It hasn’t been the best year for Van Barneveld on and off the oche, but he did find some form in winning the World Cup of Darts with Co Stompe for Holland a fortnight ago, and should never be ruled out.
‘Barney’ is joined at 12/1 by Australian Simon Whitlock and Gary Anderson. Whitlock has been struggling for form in recent weeks though, while Anderson has been solid but unspectacular.
There can be no doubting that Taylor is still the man to beat – despite his first round exit at the World Cup of Darts – and anyone who fancies their chances of winning the title will have to see of Taylor in the long format that so suits the Englishman.
A £10 bet on Mervyn King to win the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship pays out £400. New Ladbrokes customers can sign up here for a free £10 bet.
